365 Things to do in Syracuse, NY

Category Archives: Free

This is a bitter sweet moment for me. As this is my last post for 2013 and for 365 Things Syracuse, I want to thank all of the supporters and friends I have had throughout this process, It’s been quite the ride.

I’m not going to lie, this blog has become a mixed bag of emotions for me. Some days, it felt as if this year would never end, there were moments of weakness when I wanted to throw in the towel. But, then I’d received a thank you email or a new like on Facebook and I’d remember why I even started this blog.

I had so much fun participating in events that I otherwise would have never gotten the chance to be a part of. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I will look back on 2013 as a very pivotal year. So, thank you for that!

Now…moving on.

I don’t know any better way to kick off the new year than to spend it listening to HANSON.

YES, you heard me right!! Girls in your mid to late 20s, stop screaming..it’s true!!! The first boy band of our time, the Mmmmbops of mmmmbops are coming to Syracuse and they’re performing for us ON NEW YEARS EVE!!!

Now I know you’re probably thinking, “WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME THIS SOONER?!” Well, it’s probably because a) there was SO much to do in December and b) I quite literally saved the best for last!

HOW FREAKING EXCITING IS THIS!!!!

This event is for people of all ages, there will be laser tag, crafts, a dance party and the evening will end with Hanson performing their classic hits. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.

Okay, but seriously…this event is probably one of the best ones put on all year. The parking is in the village of Liverpool…you just have to show up between 7pm-Midnight & if you stop into Dunkin Donuts…YOU GET A FREE DRINK!

I hope you find this in time, cancel all your plans and head to the Parkway this evening…because that is where I will be.

On the other side of Onondaga Lake Park more technically known as Long Branch Park…away from the parkway, beyond the Lights on the Lake spectacular, sits a hill.

This hill has been home to some of the best sledding in Syracuse for years.

When I was younger, the neighbor kids would pile into the car and head to the “sledding hill” at Onondaga Lake Parkway…it’d be dotted with tons of kids exactly like us — barely able to move in our confining snow suits. However, once you got to the top of that hill and your friend pushed you forward…it was freedom for 30 seconds!

I don’t know if it’s just because I grew up in Syracuse and I’ve grown accustomed to the snow and the freezing…but I don’t think that cold weather should stop you from having fun.

This is an “unofficial” hill, there’s no check-in guy, no one to help you up (except a friendly fellow sledder), no tube or sled rentals…it’s just…original. And that’s what I love about it! (Unlike other tubing)

A couple weeks ago I was driving home from work and noticed a giant black wall with spray paint all over it. It was organized and neat and each line on the wall was preceded by the phrase: “Before I die…”

As the days went on people began filling things in on those lines. “Travel the world,” read one of the lines. Others followed seeking help for addiction, declaring love and marriage for girlfriends and boyfriends. The list was fascinating.

It’s free to do. You just have to walk right on up to it and pick up some chalk. After it rains, the wall is refreshed with new “things to do before I die…”

I love this kind of stuff! Go on over to the corner of West Fayette & Geddes and write what you want to do before you die.

Tip: Check out the facebook page for the Gear Factory, the site of the “Before I die…” wall. It’s got tons of pictures of what’s been happening on that wall since the beginning!